Lewis Hamilton Tests Positive for COVID-19; Won't Race in Sakhir F1 Grand Prix

Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not race in the Sakhir Grand Prix, he announced Tuesday.

"I'm devastated that I won't be racing this weekend," Hamilton wrote on Twitter. "Since we started the season in June, my team and I have been taking all the precautions we possibly can and following the regulations everywhere we've been in order to stay safe."

Hamilton said he woke up with mild symptoms Monday before testing positive. He had tested negative three times over the last week.

He wrote:

"I'm gutted not to be able to race this weekend but my priority is to follow the protocols and advice to protect others. I'm really lucky that I feel OK with only mild symptoms and will do my best to stay fit and healthy. Please look after yourselves out there, you can never be too careful. These are worrying times for everyone and we need to make sure we are looking after ourselves and each other. Stay positive."

Hamilton said he will self-isolate for the next 10 days, following guidelines meant to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The 35-year-old is coming off a victory at the Bahrain GP on Sunday, which extended his massive lead in the F1 drivers' championship.

Missing the Sakhir GP, which is back in Bahrain, will do nothing to affect Hamilton in the big picture. The Briton has already clinched his fourth straight title and seventh overall. Mercedes, his team, has secured the constructors' championship.